Reversible Case and Armband

ABSTRACT

A reversible case and armband is disclosed. The reversible case may be used to carry and transport portable devices. In storage mode, the reversible case stores devices similar to a pouch or pocket. In active mode, the reversible case exposes an armband for wearing the case on a user&#39;s arm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic devices continue to shrink in size, form and weight, allowing the devices to be conveniently portable. For example, MP3 players and mobile phones continue to decrease in size without losing the features and functionality of their home counterparts. Users will also carry accessories for electronic devices such as headsets, headphones, batteries and memory cards. A common solution is to stow the device and it's accessories in a pocket or case. Often it is preferred or necessary that devices are immediately accessible and/or visible to the user when carried; for example a user that is jogging while listening to music may need to access the device to control audio playback.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a portable storage device comprises an armband and a receptacle having a first and second surface. The receptacle is reversible to and from a first and second mode. In the first mode, an inner surface of the receptacle comprises the first surface while an outer surface of the receptacle surface comprises the second surface. In the second mode, an inner surface of the receptacle comprises the second surface while an outer surface of the receptacle surface comprises the first surface.

In one embodiment, the first surface is orientated in a first direction and the second surface is orientated in a second direction generally opposite of the first direction. Furthermore, the first surface may be obverse and reverse from the second surface. The first surface may also comprise a reflective element.

In another embodiment, the armband is disposed or stored within the inner surface of the receptacle when the receptacle is in the second mode. The armband may be free when the receptacle when the receptacle is in the first mode and may comprise fastener such as a Velcro-like loops and hook faster.

In one embodiment, at least three forces are applied to the receptacle when the receptacle is reversed. The forces may be applied simultaneously or in sequence. Furthermore, the forces applied to the receptacle may vary in direction. In another embodiment, at least two of the forces applied to the receptacle when reversing the receptacle are in opposing directions.

According to another embodiment, the portable storage device may comprise a two-way zipper coupled to the receptacle. The two-way zipper may need to be unzipped or opened prior to reversing the receptacle to and from the first mode and second mode. The two-way zipper would allow the user to close and open the receptacle regardless of which surface is the inner or outer surface. The portable storage device may also further comprise a fastener coupled to the receptacle. This fastener could work in conjunction with the armband to fasten the portable storage device to a user.

In another embodiment, a reversible portable storage device comprises a flexible receptacle that is coupled to an armband. The flexible receptacle has two opposed surfaces, wherein each surface is capable of forming an outer surface and an inner surface of the receptacle. The opposed surfaces may be made from a single piece of material. Furthermore, the opposed surfaces may be obverse and reverse.

In one embodiment, at least one surface comprises a reflective element. At least one surface may also be fully or partially transparent. In this case, a transparent surface would allow the user to see the portable device while in the receptacle. In an alternative embodiment, at least one surface comprises an aperture so that the user may have access to the portable device. For example, the user may need access to an audio port on the portable device.

In another embodiment, the armband is disposed within the inner surface of the receptacle. The armband may be disposed completely or partially within the inner surface. Additionally, the armband may comprise a loops and hook fastener. In an alternative embodiment, the portable storage device may comprise a two-way zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a case and armband when in an active configuration according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the case and armband of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are a side views of the case and armband FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D are top and bottom views respectively of the case and armband of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the case of FIG. 1 in a storage configuration.

FIG. 4B is a back view of the case of FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 4C and 4D are a side views of the case of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 5 wherein the case is partially open and a portable electronic device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 storing a portable electronic device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user changing the case of FIG. 7 from a storage configuration to an active configuration.

FIG. 9 is a view of the case of FIG. 7 when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Description of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principle defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. For purposes of clarity, details relating to technical materials that are known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown is a case 100 and armband 150 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows the front view and FIG. 2 shows the back view of the case 100 and armband 150. The case 100 comprises a first surface 130, a second surface 230, a zipper track 115, a two-way reversible zipper comprising a first zipper head 116 and a second zipper head 216, reflective stripes 110 and a flap 122, and a fastener 120. The armband 150 comprises Velcro-like loops and Velcro-like hooks 157 and perforations 159.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 illustrate a case 100 for receiving and storing electronic devices and accessories when the case is used in active mode. In active mode, the user wears the case around his or her arm and may store a portable device in the case 100. In this embodiment the case 100 is in the form of a rectangular receptacle. The case 100 comprises a first surface 130. The first surface 130 comprises a first side 131, a second side 132, a third side 133, a fourth side 134, a fifth side 135 and fifth side 136. The sides 131-136 form the rectangular receptacle of case 100 and are appropriately dimensioned to receive and stow one or more portable devices such as a headset and/or mobile phone. In active mode, the first surface 130 is exposed and visible to the user as illustrated in FIG. 9. The first side 131 may comprise reflective stripes 110 to assist in increasing the user's visibility. This is particularly advantageous when the case is used during the night. In another embodiment the first side 131 may comprise a transparent plastic such that the stored devices may be visible to the user. The first side 131 may also comprise apertures to allow the user to touch and/or control the stored devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, the case 100 further comprises a flap 122 coupled at one end to the fifth side 153. The flap 122 is coupled at the fifth side 135 between the zipper track 115 and first surface 131 as shown in FIG. 3A. The fastener 120 in the form of a strap buckle and is coupled to another end of the flap 122. The flap 122 extends the fastener 120 from the body of the case 100 so the fastener 120 is more easily accessible to the user. The fastener 120 is used in conjunction with the armband 150 to fasten the case 100 to a user's arm when in use. It will be appreciated that the fastener 120 can also take the form of alternative fasteners in combination with a strap for securing the case 100 to a user's arm such as a magnet, button, belt buckle, hook or lace. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener 120 and/or flap 122 may be detachable from the case 100.

A zipper track 115 in combination with zipper head 116 fastens and open/closes the perimeter of the case 100 to prevent the stowed devices from falling out and to facilitate safe storage while the case 100 is worn. The zipper track 115 is disposed on the third side 133, fifth side 135, and sixth side 136 of the case. In this embodiment, the zipper track 115 is disposed along the entire mid-section of the third side 133 (FIG. 3C) and disposed along two-thirds of the mid-section of the fifth side 135 (FIG. 3A) and two-thirds of the mid-section of sixth side 136 (FIG. 3B). The case 100 may also have an aperture 125 for routing wires such as the case when wired headphones are utilized with the electronic device. In this embodiment the aperture 125 is located on the fourth side 134 as illustrated in FIG. 3D, but one or more apertures may also be located on any side of the case.

The case 100 may be configured to take other shapes and forms to fit the form factor of portable electronic devices and/or accessories to be carried. For example, the case may be dimensioned to be smaller with a square form in order to receive an Apple® iPod Shuffle (4^(th) generation). The material selected for the case 100 allows the case to be flexibly pliable such that the user may reverse the case inside-out without permanent deformity; the case material is also appropriate for wearing on a person. In one embodiment, the case 100 is made from neoprene or cloth. Furthermore, each side may comprise of different material that is coupled together to create the receptacle. Alternatively the case may be made of one piece of material that is arranged into the appropriate shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the armband 150 is coupled at one end to the case 100 at the sixth side 136, in between zipper track 115 and first side 131 as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C. The opposite end of the armband 150 is free. The length of the armband is sufficiently long to enclose the perimeter of a user's arm. Additionally, the size and length of the armband 150 is selected such that the armband 150 may be stored within the case 100 when the case 100 is in storage mode. In this embodiment, the armband 150 is made from the same material as the case 100. In an alternative embodiment, the armband 150 may be made from a separate material and may be detachable from case 100. Alternatively the armband may comprise two or more straps; the straps may be coupled to the case 100 at more than one side. Furthermore, the armband may also be dimensioned and designed to be fastened on another limb or body part of a user, such as an ankle, head or wrist.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrates the case 100 for receiving and storing portable devices when the case is used in storage mode. In storage mode, the second surface 230 and second zipper head 216 is exposed and accessible to the user. The second surface 230 comprises a seventh side 231, an eighth side 232, a ninth side 233, a tenth side 234, a eleventh side 235 and twelfth side 236. The armband 150 is disposed inside the case 100 (FIG. 6) enclosed by the first surface 130; the first surface 130 forms the case's 100 inner surface when in storage mode. A loop 245 is coupled to the second surface 230 at the eleventh side 235. A harbinger 240 is coupled at an end of loop 245. The harbinger 240 is used to secure the case to the user or other object such as a belt, backpack or purse. It can be appreciated that any type of fastener in combination with or without the loop 245 can be used to secure the case 100 to an object.

Referring to FIG. 6, shown is the case 100 in storage mode and partially opened. To open the case 100, the zipper head 216 is pulled to the opposite end of the zipper track 115 located near the loop 245. The arm strap 150 and a headset 610 are stored inside the case 100.

Referring to FIG. 7, shown is the case 100 open in active mode. To open the case 100, the zipper head 116 is pulled to side 136. A mobile phone 710 is stored in the case 100, encompassed by the second surface 230. If the first surface 131 comprises a transparent plastic face, the front of the mobile phone 710 may face the same direction as first surface 131 so the user can see and access the mobile phone 710 while stored.

To switch to and from active and storage mode, the case's 100 surfaces are reversed by turning the case 100 inside-out. In storage mode, the first surface 130 is the outer surface of the case, exposed and visible to the user, while the second surface forms 230 is inside surface of the case 100. As seen from FIGS. 5-8, the first surface 130 and second surface 230 are opposing, corresponding surfaces of case 100. That is the first surface 130 is observe and reverse to the second surface 210.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user changing the case 100 from storage mode to active mode. To change the case's 100 mode, the user turns the case inside-out such that second surface 230 changes from facing inwardly to facing outwardly (i.e. exposed to the environment). Consequently, the first surface 130 changes from facing outwardly to facing inwardly. In one embodiment, to turn the case inside-out the user unzips the case 100 using zipper head 216 to completely unzip the zipper track 115. Then, the user may remove any devices and accessories that the case 100 is storing, such as a headset 610. Next, the user holds a portion of the case 100 comprising first and seventh sides 131/231 and a portion of the case 100 comprising second and eighth sides 132/232 using the fingers 810 of both hands. Then the user pushes, exerting force, on the eleventh side 234 in the direction of AA with one or both thumbs 815 while pulling the portions comprising first and seventh sides 131/231 and portions comprising second and eighth sides 132/232 in opposing directions as indicated by arrows B1 and B2 until the case 100 is turned inside-out.

The case 100 is reversed when the first surface 130 is the outer surface of the case, exposed and visible to the user, while the second surface forms 230 is inside surface of the case 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1,2, 7 and 9. Each side will be orientated in an opposite direction when the case is reversed relative to the direction of the side was orientated when the case was in a previous mode. For example, in storage mode, seventh side 231 and eleventh side 232 are generally facing away from each other while in active mode seventh side 231 and eleventh side 232 are generally facing toward each other. To change the case 100 from active mode to storage mode, a similar procedure as illustrated in FIG. 8 is performed with the additional step of the disposing the armband 150 and fastener 120 within the case after the reverse is complete.

The case transforms into a wearable armband, eliminating the need for two separate devices. In storage mode, the case assists the users in carrying and protecting portable devices. Because the armband and fastener may be stored inside the case while in storage mode, the form factor of the case is much like pouch. Storing the armband and fastener within the case in storage mode prevents the armband and fastener from inadvertently “snagging” or “hooking” other objects surrounding the case, keeping the armband and fastener safe. In active mode, the case conveniently stores devices on the users arm, making the device easily accessible to the user while performing a physical activity such as running.

The dual functionality of the reversible case and armband is particularly useful when the case stores a headset or headphones while in storage mode. In one example, a user may prefer to store a headset in the case while in storage mode and carry a mobile phone elsewhere (e.g. a pocket, belt clip). When the user wishes to listen to music while performing a physical activity, it is often preferred the mobile phone is securely stored and accessible while the activity is performed. The user may then remove the headset from the case (FIG. 6) and don the headset. Then, the case may be reversed into active mode (as illustrated in FIG. 8) and attached to the user's arm. The mobile phone may then be securely stored in the case while on the user's arm. In the case of a wired embodiment, the headset may be connected to the mobile phone via a wire passing through an aperture in the case. Alternatively the user may connect the mobile phone and headset wirelessly, such as Bluetooth, as illustrated in FIG. 9. 

What is claimed:
 1. A portable storage device comprising a receptacle comprising a first surface; a second surface; wherein the receptacle is reversible to a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode an inner surface of the receptacle comprises the first surface and an outer surface of the receptacle comprises the second surface and wherein in the second mode an inner surface of the receptacle comprises the second surface and an outer surface of the receptacle comprises the first surface; and an armband coupled to the receptacle.
 2. The portable storage device of claim 1, wherein the first surface is orientated in a first direction and the second surface is orientated in a second direction generally opposite of the first direction.
 3. The portable store device of claim 1, where in the first surface is obverse and reverse from the second surface.
 4. The portable storage device of claim 1, wherein the armband is disposed within the inner surface of the receptacle when the receptacle is in the second mode.
 5. The portable storage device of claim 4, wherein the armband is free in the first mode.
 6. The portable storage device of claim 1, further comprising a two-way zipper coupled to the receptacle.
 7. The portable storage device of claim 6, wherein the two-way zipper is open prior to reversing the receptacle to and from the first mode and second mode.
 8. The portable storage device of claim 1, wherein at least three forces are applied to the receptacle when the receptacle is reversed.
 9. The portable storage device of claim 8, wherein at least two forces are in opposing directions.
 10. The portable storage device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener coupled to the receptacle.
 11. The portable storage device of claim 1, wherein the first surface comprises a reflective element.
 12. The portable storage device of claim 1, wherein the armband comprises a loops and hook fastener.
 13. A reversible portable storage device comprising a flexible receptacle having two opposed surfaces, wherein each surface is capable of forming an outer surface and an inner surface of the receptacle; and an armband coupled to the receptacle.
 14. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein the opposed surfaces are made from a single piece of material.
 15. The portable store device of claim 11, wherein the opposed surfaces are obverse and reverse.
 16. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein the armband is disposed within the inner surface of the receptacle.
 17. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein the armband comprises a loops and hook fastener.
 18. The portable storage device of claim 11, further comprising a two-way zipper coupled to the receptacle.
 19. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein at least three forces are applied to the receptacle when the receptacle is reversed.
 20. The portable storage device of claim 19, wherein at least two forces are in opposing directions.
 21. The portable storage device of claim 11, further comprising a fastener coupled to the receptacle.
 22. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein at least one surface comprises a reflective element.
 23. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein at least one surface is partially transparent.
 24. The portable storage device of claim 11, wherein at least one surface comprises an aperture. 